Cozy Fall Getaways

From the vibrant Painted Hills to the cool Oregon Coast, from the high desert of Central Oregon to the lush forests of Mt. Hood, cozy fall getaways are yours for the taking. If you are seeking solitude or the chance to reconnect with friends and family, reserve your spot at one of these relaxing locales.

Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge

Perched on a bluff 60 feet above the spot where both the Sandy and Salmon rivers converge, the Sandy Salmon Bed & Breakfast is an adults-only retreat for true respite in the woods. Local artwork fills the rustic great room, with sofas around the stone hearth like a warm hug. Guest rooms feature handcrafted bed frames made from twisted aspen and juniper wood, handmade quilts and other historical charms. Some of the rooms overlook the lawns and English garden; others overlook the river, where President George Bush Sr., an avid fisherman, has been known to get away for a weekend.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Hood on 72 acres, Hood River’s Sakura Ridge offers breathtaking views of the peak and surrounding orchards and forests. Guests enjoy fresh eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables from the farm. Explore the Hood River County Fruit Loop and the local wineries and cideries, all bursting with fall bounty. The lodge’s theme is “ichi-go ichi-e,” which loosely means “treasure this moment” in Japanese — and you will.

Portland Region

If you enjoy a little elegance and luxury, Portland’s White House — located in the Irvington neighborhood of Northeast Portland — looks remarkably like the national landmark, and could make for an unforgettable getaway, any time of year. The Greek revival mansion boasts marble columns, a sweeping staircase, formal dining room, grand ballroom and unique suites decorated with antiques, oil paintings and porcelain works. Enjoy a locally sourced vegetarian breakfast in the morning and head out for neighborhood shopping, brewpubs, biking, hiking and all sorts of fall urban adventures.

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Central Oregon

If relaxing lakeside with a whiskey drink and vinyl records is your thing, the The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse in Sisters may be the perfect escape. Here in the Deschutes National Forest, just outside of Bend, you can reconnect with the natural world with a brisk trail hike or just take it easy with board games, books and movies (the lobby has an extensive collection of all three, available to use during your stay). Acclaimed chef Joshua McFadden of Ava Gene’s in Portland will prepare his annual Thanksgiving feast at the lodge’s Boathouse restaurant, and Christmas eve brings chefs Matthew Rudofker and Joshua Pinskey from the famed Momofuku to the lodge.

Southern Oregon

Maybe you want to soak away your stress, in the curative underground mineral waters at Lithia Springs Resort. Three miles from downtown Ashland, this romantic retreat in a tranquil valley of Southern Oregon includes a jacuzzi, koi pond, tea room, library and lobby with fireplace. The healing waters are piped into the rooms, bungalows and suites as well as a private soaking tub at Waterstone Spa, where you can also book a massage or facial. Stroll through a lush, four-acre sanctuary of gardens, trees and ponds.

Willamette Valley

If you’re looking to explore the Willamette Valley wine country, Newberg’s Le Puy Wine Valley Inn is just minutes away from the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton and Chehalem Mountains AVAs. Eight luxury guest rooms provide solitude, while the great room, club room and courtyard offer the opportunity to relax with other guests. Take in views of vineyards aflame with fall color, and choose from more than a dozen destination restaurants in the area.

Oregon Coast

Take in autumn on the Coast from the Channel House in Depoe Bay. Enjoy a soak on your deck-side hot tub overlooking the ocean vista, then curl up by the fire and watch the dramatic storms roll by. Bring the binoculars to spot migrating whales out your window or borrow some downtown at the Whale Watching Center, where volunteers will help you become a whale-watching expert. Warm up with a bowl of chowder and hot drink at one of the many excellent restaurants in town.

About The

Author

Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.

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